May 17, 2007
By Lesego Madumo
THE lion's den is ready for the king; the R100-million futuristic Teatro, purpose-built for The Lion King, is ready to host the South African production of the acclaimed show.
Previews begin on Tuesday, 22 May, and the local premiere is on Wednesday, 6 June at the Teatro in Montecasino, Fourways.
Much of the show's music is by South African born Grammy Award winning composer and producer Lebo M.
"The Lion King has had a South African connection since its world premiere at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, before its transfer to Broadway [in New York] in 1997," says the co-producer of the local production, Pieter Toerien.
The impresario says that his highlights of the show are the costumes, which cost R15-million, the music, and the excellent performances. "It is the best show you've ever seen. Don't miss it."
Tyson Ekertone as Simba and Jay Laga'ala as Mufasa as seen in the Australian Production of the Lion King
(Photo: James Morgan)
Previews, beginning on 22 May, are an opportunity for the actors to "settle themselves and judge their performances in front of an audience, so that when the full show premieres they are ready for it".
The cast includes veteran actors like Sello Maake Ka-Ncube, who plays Mufasa, a role that he also played in London; Buyisile Zama, who plays Rafiki; and Mark Rayment, who is the evil Scar.
Pierre van Heerden and Peter Mashiga portray Timon and Pumba, while the young Simba is played by Andile Gumbi.
Also in lead roles are Candida Mosoma as Shenzi, Lyall Ramsden as Zazu, Michael Bagg as Ed, Simon Gwala as Bazai, Tsholo Monedi as Nala, and Zoe Mthiyane as Sarabi.
South Africa is the tenth country to put on the musical, in the year that it celebrates its tenth anniversary on Broadway. It is also the first theatrical Disney production with a cast 100 percent selected from the country in which it is showing.
There are 53 performers and a technical crew of 70, with a 20-member orchestra.
The renowned international theatre consultant and designer, Martin McCallum, was appointed by Montecasino to design the theatre. The Teatro is a futuristic theatre specially built for the hit musical show; the cast has already settled in to its home.
Simba, the hero of the show and son of the lion king, leaves the Pridelands as a cub, after his father's death. The musical follows his journey and struggles with the responsibilities of manhood and his future role as the lion king. Simba eventually returns home to overthrow his evil uncle and to reclaim his father's throne.
In all, about 52 million people around the world - in Australia, Britain, Canada, China, Germany, Holland, Japan, South Korea and the United States - have already seen The Lion King.
The musical is co-produced by Lebo M and Pieter Toerien with Bongani Tembe as associate producer. It is showing at the Teatro at Montecasino, Fourways, in Joburg, from 6 June to 9 September.
Tickets prices range from R150 to R450 each and booking is at Computicket on 011 340 8000, through the Computicket website or at the Montecasino box office. For group bookings of 20 or more, call Geraldine on 011 511 1988 or email her on Geraldine@montetheatre.co.za.
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